Steven Sotloff, an American reporter held for more than a year after his capture in Syria, appeared to be the victim of an execution by the Islamist militant group ISIS. After being shown in the recording of journalist James Foley's killing, Sotloff's murder was also filmed and distributed on the Internet.

Historically, events in the Middle East are moving at lightening speed. The BBC's Paul Danahar has written a book about some of the lasting themes. Marco Werman speaks with Danahar about Syria, US policy and the prospects for democracy in the Mideast.

The violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza escalated on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Israeli military is continuing to hit militant targets in Gaza. Anchor Aaron Schachter speaks with the BBC's Paul Danahar in Gaza for the latest.

The violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza escalated on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Israeli military is continuing to hit militant targets in Gaza. Anchor Aaron Schachter speaks with the BBC's Paul Danahar in Gaza for the latest.

Historically, events in the Middle East are moving at lightening speed. The BBC's Paul Danahar has written a book about some of the lasting themes. Marco Werman speaks with Danahar about Syria, US policy and the prospects for democracy in the Mideast.

Steven Sotloff, an American reporter held for more than a year after his capture in Syria, appeared to be the victim of an execution by the Islamist militant group ISIS. After being shown in the recording of journalist James Foley's killing, Sotloff's murder was also filmed and distributed on the Internet.